As cannabis products continue to evolve, consumers now have more choices than ever—from infused drinks to vape cartridges. Still, two classic methods remain at the center of the conversation: smoking and edibles. Each offers a distinctly different experience, with its own advantages, drawbacks, and learning curve. Below, we break down how they compare to help you decide which option best fits your preferences and lifestyle.Comparing experiences, effects, and considerations.
Smoking Cannabis
People have smoked cannabis for thousands of years. While it was most likely eaten first, there is recorded evidence of ancient Scythians inhaling the vapors of hemp-seed smoke in rituals as early as 450 BCE.
Smoking has become the common way to try cannabis. This is typically done by smoking a joint – which can be rolled oneself, or purchased pre-prepared. Bongs and pipes can also be used to smoke cannabis.
How Smoking Cannabis Works
Smoking cannabis involves inhaling heated cannabinoids (THC and CBD) into the lungs. From here, they enter the bloodstream quickly and travel to your brain. This fast route is why you feel the effects in minutes.
There are some clear pros to smoking cannabis, which make it a preferred method for many people:
- Fast Onset of Effects
When you smoke cannabis, you’ll usually feel the effect within 1 or 2 minutes. It’s better for those who want an instant high or immediate relief from pain or anxiety.
- Easy Dose Control
Smoking often allows you to test the effects in smaller doses. For people who are new to cannabis, it is often the best entry method as you can avoid consuming too much too soon.
- Shorter Duration
The high can last 1 to 3 hours, often peaking between 30 minutes and 1 hour. This is good if you don’t want to be high all day and all night.
- A More ‘Classic’ Experience
Smoking often has a more cerebral effect, with many describing it as a ‘heady’ or ‘uplifting’ (although it depends on the strain). It is typically the more social method, and many people find it easier to stay mobile and functional due to the ability to control the dose.
The Cons of Smoking Cannabis
Certain individuals are put off smoking cannabis for the following reasons:
- Impact on Lungs
Although not as damaging as smoking tobacco, regular inhalation of any kind of smoke can irritate the airways and cause respiratory issues like bronchitis. For people who already have asthma or COPD, it may not be a safe consumption method.
- Creates an Odor
The odor of cannabis smoke can be strong and can cling to clothes, hair and furniture. Some people like this smell, but others find it less pleasant.
- Less Discreet
It’s hard to keep things discreet when you’re smoking cannabis due to the visible smoke and smell. Neighbors may not appreciate it, plus employers may judge you for it if they catch a scent on your clothes.
- Unfamiliar for Non-Smokers
If you’ve never smoked before, smoking cannabis may take some getting used to. Preparing a joint also takes practice, although options like pre-rolls can make things easier.
Edibles
An edible is a food or drink that has been infused with cannabis. There is evidence of edibles being consumed as early as 1000 BCE in the form of ‘bhang’ – an ancient Indian mix of cannabis, milk and spices.
The widespread legalization of cannabis has led to a recent explosion in edible cannabis products. Traditional methods include brownies and fudge, while modern options include gummies, lozenges, chocolate bars, popcorn and even beef jerky!
How Cannabis Edibles Work
Edibles are ingested rather than inhaled. This results in a different type of high – the THC is processed through your digestive system and metabolized by the liver, only then entering the bloodstream. As a result, the effects can take much longer to kick in.
The Pros of Cannabis Edibles
Some people prefer edibles for the following reasons:
- No Lung Irritation
Consuming edibles won’t damage your lungs and could be better suited to those with respiratory issues.
- Discreet
There’s no smoke or smell involved when consuming edibles. It’s much easier to eat a gummy or drink a cannabis-infused beverage without attracting attention or upsetting roommates.
- Improved Pain Relief
Users of edibles report a ‘body-focused’ high that is deeper and more relaxing. It may be better for relieving symptoms of chronic pain, which could help with comfort or even better sleep quality.
- Longer-Lasting Effects
The high from edibles can last 4 to 8 hours. This could result in longer, more sustained relaxation or pain relief.
The Cons of Cannabis Edibles
- Delayed Onset
You won’t feel the effects of an edible immediately – it could take 30 to 90 minutes to feel anything. This classic trap leads to many people thinking it hasn’t worked, consuming more and then overdosing.
- Harder to Control Doses
Consuming too much cannabis can be scary. Some people become shut-in, get paranoid, hallucinate or become very nauseous. While product strength guides can provide a warning, you still may not always know how strong the high will be.
- Long Commitment
If you misjudge the dose and end up too high, you’ll be stuck feeling this for a longer time than if you smoked. Those with busy lives and responsibilities may also not have hours to spare.
- Risk of Accidental Dose
Edibles can often look like regular food. If you aren’t careful to hide them, they could be discovered by pets or kids – something which happens a lot with gummies.
Smoking vs Edibles: Which is Better?
Obviously, there is no objective winner here – it all comes down to personal circumstances and preferences.
Smoking is typically better for those seeking out fast effects and a shorter high. It can be better in social situations and tends to be a sensible option for beginners who want to test it out, because you can take it in smaller and more gradual doses.
Edibles are meanwhile better for those that don’t like smoking, have respiratory issues or are looking for a more discreet option. They are also a good option for those that want a longer body-focused high. Just make sure to take care when dosing – start small to be safe.